The Athabasca Landing Trail historically known as the 100 mile portage was constructed in 1876 by the Hudson’s Bay Company to ferry goods between Ft. Edmonton on the North Saskatchewan River and the Athabasca River where they were then loaded onto river craft and transported to northern outposts along the Athabasca and Slave Rivers. Much of the original trail has been absorbed into roads, farmland and residential areas and no longer exists as a separate entity. However, the mission of the Athabasca Landing Steering Committee is to re-establish where possible the historic alignment and where not now possible, develop new trail as a recreation amenity that showcases the history of the oldest road in Alberta.

The following route description is based on the Athabasca Landing Trail alignment presented on The Trans Canada Trail website as indicated below. The route, distances recorded and stopping places indicated were developed into hiking/cycling sections. There is data collected for  each section to create a detailed route with maps, and  basic amenity descriptions.  The majority of stopping places have campgrounds or public spaces which with permission can be used for overnight camping. These and overnight lodging should be research by participants at their leisure before they head out.

The route starts in Ft. Saskatchewan at West River’s Edge Park and terminates in the Athabasca’s Riverfront Park along the banks of the Athabasca River. The entire route is broken down into 10 sections of various lengths.  The following maps and table lists the exact distance between each section. Some sections of the trail have been adjusted where permanent approvals are not in place and the users will have to travel on roads. Wherever possible low use gravel roads have been utilized for on-road sections and highway crossings are marked on the maps. GPS coordinates are available upon request.

The Athabasca Landing Trail historically known as the 100 mile portage was constructed in 1876 by the Hudson’s Bay Company to ferry goods between Ft. Edmonton on the North Saskatchewan River and the Athabasca River where they were then loaded onto river craft and transported to northern outposts along the Athabasca and Slave Rivers. Much of the original trail has been absorbed into roads, farmland and residential areas and no longer exists as a separate entity. However, the mission of the Athabasca Landing Steering Committee is to re-establish where possible the historic alignment and where not now possible, develop new trail as a recreation amenity that showcases the history of the oldest road in Alberta.

The following route description is based on the Athabasca Landing Trail alignment presented on The Great Trail website as indicated below. The route, distances recorded and stopping places indicated were developed for the Athabasca Ultra Marathon which was unfortunately cancelled prior to its inaugural year. Fortunately the data collected has been recycled to create this detailed route with maps, and  basic amenity descriptions.  The majority of stopping places have campgrounds or public spaces which with permission can be used for overnight camping. These and overnight lodging should be research by participants at their leisure before they head out.

The route starts in Ft. Saskatchewan at West River’s Edge Park and terminates in the Athabasca’s Riverfront Park along the banks of the Athabasca River. The entire route is broken down into 10 section or legs of various length.  The following maps and table lists the distance between each leg. Some sections of the trail have been adjusted where permanent approvals are not in place and the users will have to travel on roads. Wherever possible low use gravel roads have been utilized for on-road sections and highway crossings are marked on the maps. GPS coordinates are available upon request.